CRESTVIEW — The City Council has voted unanimously to present former Mayor George Whitehurst with the Mae R. Coleman Citizen of the Year award during a special meeting.

Whitehurst, 87, the city’s longest-serving mayor, is credited with securing land, at no cost, for the present-day Crestview Public Library and Crestview Community Center. He also helped found the Crestview Chamber of Commerce in 1956.

"I will see that he gets this award," Coleman said. "After talking to his family twice, they are very happy to be receiving this award, and I am happy to give it to them."

Coleman asked the council to award Whitehurst, with his family present, following a future council meeting.

Rather than scheduling time after a council meeting, council president Robyn Helt suggested setting a special meeting.

Coleman had a request for the occasion.

"Let him, if he will, sit in the mayor's seat," she said.

Mayor David Cadle had no problem with Whitehurst taking his seat at the special meeting.

The family has offered to provide cake and punch for the event, Coleman said.

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What: Mae R. Coleman Citizen of the Year award presentation to George Whitehurst